16/08/2025
EdD Talks 7: Reimagining Basic Education in the Philippines in the Era of MATATAG and SHS Reform
Olongapo City, Philippines â August 16, 2025.
At a time when Philippine education is undergoing significant shifts, the Columban College Graduate School for Professional Advancement and Continuing Education (CCI G-SPACE) brought together educators, researchers, and thought leaders for EdD Talks 7, streamed live via Facebook with the theme âReimagining Basic Education in the Philippines: Strengthening Curriculum, Equity, and Teacher Agency in the Era of MATATAG and Senior High School Reform.â
Now in its third year as a trimestral flagship activity of the Doctor of Education (EdD) Program, EdD Talks has established itself as a dynamic platform where educators engage in purposeful discourse and share forward-thinking practices that respond to the needs of Philippine education.
Setting the Tone: A Call to Reimagine Education
The program was warmly hosted by Ms. Jennifer R. Talaugon and opened with an inspirational message from Dr. David C. Bueno, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services and Dean of G-SPACE.
Dr. Buenoâs remarks framed the dayâs discussions:
âThe MATATAG curriculum and the ongoing reforms in Senior High School challenge us to think deeply about what we teach, how we teach, and why we teach. But they also open opportunitiesâto make our curriculum more relevant, our classrooms more equitable, and our teachers more empowered.â
He reminded participants that EdD Talks is not merely a showcase of ideas but a âcollective exploration of solutions.â His words anchored the event in a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, urging participants to carry forward the insights into practice.
Following this, Dr. Manolito B. Basilio, Chair of the EdD and MAEd Programs, delivered the Statement of Purpose, outlining three aims of EdD Talks:
To convene educators, researchers, and stakeholders for meaningful dialogue and exchange.
To showcase innovative approaches and adaptive leadership in an evolving educational landscape.
To empower educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to respond to complex challenges with vision and compassion.
Dr. Basilio reminded everyone that the true measure of EdD Talks lies in how the insights resonate beyond the forumâinto classrooms, institutions, and the lives of Filipino learners.
Conversations that Matter: Voices from the Field
The highlight of EdD Talks 7 was the series of thought-provoking presentations from six resource speakers who tackled pressing issues confronting Philippine basic education.
Ms. Jennifer R. Talaugon opened with a discussion on the recalibration of the Senior High School (SHS) program. She explained how the strengthened SHS curriculum responds to criticisms of being overloaded and misaligned with real-world demands. By reducing core subjects, offering flexible tracks, and integrating hands-on work immersion, the reform aims to produce graduates who are competent, confident, and ready for both higher education and employment.
Ms. Al-Ahl B. Gonzales turned the spotlight to values, citizenship, and nation-building. She stressed that education must go beyond academics, reminding participants that âsuccess is not just about good gradesâitâs about raising good citizens who do what is right, even when itâs hard.â By placing character education at the center, the MATATAG curriculum strengthens honesty, kindness, and patriotism as lived values.
Ms. Romela N. Navarro addressed the urgent issue of learning recovery in foundational literacy and numeracy. With the pandemic widening learning gaps, she emphasized the need for intensive reading interventions, adaptive tools, and differentiated strategies to ensure no learner is left behind. Literacy and numeracy, she said, are the foundation for lifelong learning.
Ms. Eloisa A. Irasga focused on teacher agency and support. She reminded everyone that no reform can succeed without empowered teachers. Professional development, supportive leadership, and well-being initiatives, she argued, must be in place to enable teachers to innovate and lead change. âStrong teachers build strong learners, and strong learners build strong schools,â she said.
Ms. Meiah Daphne M. Villaruz explored the digital divide in public basic education. She pointed out that beyond the issues of connectivity and devices, many students lack conducive learning environments and digital literacy. She called for equity-focused policies, localized content, and comprehensive teacher training to ensure that technology serves as a bridge for learning, not a barrier.
Ms. Rodalie C. Dineros capped the session with a talk on climate literacy and resilience education. She urged schools to become âliving laboratories,â where gardens, rainwater systems, and student-led projects serve as hands-on platforms for environmental learning. In a world shaped by climate change, she emphasized, resilience must be integrated into both the curriculum and the daily experiences of learners.
A Shared Vision: Synthesis and Moving Forward
As synthesizer of the talks, Ms. Dineros wove together the threads of the dayâs presentations into a unifying vision:
A Philippine education system that is equitable, values-driven, future-ready, technologically inclusive, environmentally responsive, and grounded in empowered teachers.
Her synthesis reminded participants that these diverse yet interconnected themes converge on one missionâto prepare learners not only for academic success, but for life, for nation-building, and for the challenges of a changing world.
Closing with Purpose
A lively Q&A session gave participants the chance to engage with the speakers before the program concluded with Closing Remarks from Ms. Eloisa A. Irasga, who challenged everyone to turn insights into actions within their schools and communities.
The seamless livestream was made possible by the technical expertise of Ms. Mayfour B. Yadno, Assistant Principal of G.L. David Memorial Integrated School, who was specially recognized for her contribution.
EdD Talks: A Growing Tradition of Dialogue and Leadership
âEducational Dynamics and Directions Talks (EdD Talks)â is more than an academic exerciseâit is a strategic initiative of CCI G-SPACE to cultivate leadership, critical dialogue, and innovation among educators. Over the past three years, it has become a signature event of the EdD Program, offering a platform for intellectual engagement and professional growth.
With EdD Talks 7, Columban College reaffirms its commitment to education that is responsive, equitable, and empowering.
